BOOTSTRAP — a European assessment methodology

Abstract

During the last three years an ESPRIT project BOOTSTRAP has assessed the capability of examples of the European software industry using a European process assessment and improvement methodology that was developed in the project. The BOOTSTRAP assessment methodology was developed by applying the original SEI model as the main background model. The original SEI approach was adopted in the methodology, and extended with features based on the guidelines from ISO 9000 quality standards and ESA (European Space Agency) process model standards. The extensions were made in order to fit the methodology into the European context, and to attain more detailed capability profiles in addition to maturity levels, separately for both organizations and projects. Although the BOOTSTRAP approach was formed by extending the original SEI model with new and reshaped features, it is still possible to distinguish the maturity levels that are equivalent to the SEI model. The methodology includes a guided assessment process, questionnaires and an algorithm for maturity and capability determination, guidelines for process improvement, an assessor training programme and licensing policy, and computer-based tools and a European database that support the consultancy activities.